Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury

A combination of stem cells and extensive therapies giving the patient real chances of improvement

Last Updated on: 6th December 2024, 08:56 pm

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Are you considering Stem Cell Treatment for Spinal Cord Injury?

Spinal cord injury is a debilitating condition affecting the spinal cord that has limited curative treatment options, with most only focusing on alleviating the present symptoms and improving daily functionality. Stem Cell Treatment however offers hope, with studies showing stem cell therapy can slow or stop the progression of spinal cord injury.

Read on to see if Spinal Cord Injury Stem Cell Treatment might be right for you.

Spinal Cord Injury, Narine Bagdasaryan | Stem Cell + Epidural Stimulation Treatment Testimonial

Narine spent 3 months in a coma and 7 years with no use of her lower limbs due to a tragic car accident that left her with a spinal cord injury and minor traumatic brain injury.

Thanks to the combination of stem cells and a revolutionary new epidural electrode stimulation device from Medtronic, Narine is now able to control her legs and support herself. Narine is the first woman to receive this device, the 5th ever, and the first person to undergo this unique stem cell + implant treatment.

How does stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury work?

 Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have shown great potential for the treatment of spinal cord injuries due to their differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties, secretion of growth factors and cytokines, migration and integration capabilities.MSCs secrete a variety of growth factors and cytokines that can promote nerve growth, including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). 

Stem cells can also induce the expression of neurotrophic factors, which are proteins that promote the growth and survival of neurons. Through promotion of angiogenesis, MSCs promote the formation of new blood vessels, which can provide oxygen and nutrients to support nerve growth.

How Stem Cell Therapy Improves Spinal Cord Injuries

Stem cells are cells that are “pluripotent”, meaning they can differentiate into all other cells due to their self-renewing abilities. They can develop into ectodermal (ex. skin and some neurological structures), mesodermal (ex. bones, cartilage, and blood cells), or endodermal cells (ex. cells of internal body organs). Therefore, injecting stem cells should theoretically allow them to differentiate and “replace” the damages neurons due to cord injury (1). However, following extensive testing of stem cell treatment on SCI patients, it has proven to have additional benefits other than tissue replacement; including (7):

  • Replacing and repairing the damaged neurons: This is their original function; to replace the damaged tissue by conversion of one cell type to another.
  • Increasing the production of neurotrophic factors that promote nervous cell proliferation and differentiation (ex. glia derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF))
  • Modulating the immune system and the ongoing inflammatory process – thereby reducing the ongoing neurodestructive process due to SCI
  • Promoting vascular supply to the nervous system through stimulating the generation of new blood vessels (neovascularization/angiogenesis)
  • Increasing survival of damaged neurons: Stem cells can prevent apoptosis/automated cell death; therefore promoting cell survival and improving recovery.

Beike Biotechnology Patient Outcome Data - Spinal Cord Injury

The table below highlights the findings from a questionnaire completed by 76 patients who underwent stem cell treatment with Beike Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. This survey was tailored to capture insights regarding patient satisfaction, the perceived effectiveness of the stem cell treatment, and any potential areas that might require enhancement.

The collated responses have been meticulously organized to offer a comprehensive view of the patients’ experiences and the results of their treatment.

Data collated on 5 December 2024

% of Patients, who noticed Improvement % of Patients who noticed a Small Improvement % of Patients who noticed a Moderate Improvement % of Patients who noticed a Large Improvement
Trunk muscle strength
73%
41%
19%
13%
Trunk muscle tone
71%
41%
17%
13%
Upper limb muscle tone
75%
41%
22%
12%
Upper limb strength
71%
29%
26%
16%
Trunk sensation
64%
36%
17%
10%
Upper limb sensation
67%
33%
18%
16%
Lower limb muscle tone
55%
32%
17%
7%
Fine motor control
59%
43%
7%
9%
Skin condition
57%
19%
19%
20%
Fatigue
57%
30%
19%
8%
Sweating
60%
35%
12%
12%
Control of body temperature
61%
36%
16%
9%
Lower limb strength
50%
28%
15%
7%
Lower limb sensation
48%
31%
9%
8%
Pain
49%
25%
18%
6%
Bladder control
38%
22%
13%
3%
Bowel control
37%
21%
11%
4%
Sexual function
37%
28%
8%
2%

Do you feel as though your stem cell treatment has improved the quality of life?

No
41%
Yes, has slightly improved
41%
Yes, has moderately improved
14%
Yes, has significantly improved
4%
% of patients with some level of positive result
59%

Are you currently satisfied with the outcome of the treatment?

No
20%
No comment
13%
Somewhat satisfied
41%
Yes
26%
% of patients a positive level of satisfaction
67%

Are you currently experiencing any improvements in your general physical condition?

No
26%
Yes, small improvements
43%
Yes, moderate improvements
23%
Yes, significant improvements
7%
% of Patients with ongoing improvements
74%

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury

The purpose of stem cell therapy is to promote the healing of the original injury in order to restore neurological function. Thus, various kinds of improvement are possible after our treatment. Our past patients have experienced the following among others*:

Improve motor strength and power
Improve muscle tension
Improve sensation
Improve self-care capacity
Pain Reduction
Decreased spasticity
Increase sweating function

*It is important to remember that as for any medical treatment, improvements cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us for more information regarding the possible improvements for a particular case.

Our Treatment Program in Details

Since 2005, we have been developing and optimizing our stem cell treatment protocols with the concept that only a very comprehensive solution can allow patients with spinal cord injury to truly benefit from stem cells. We believe that stimulation through various therapies is crucial to enhance stem cell regenerative response. Therefore our protocols include a daily therapy program to support the stem cells.

We provide a wide variety and large quantities of stem cells in order to adapt to each patient-specific condition and deliver maximized regenerative potential for our patients.

Our About Stem Cells treatment for spinal cord injury program consists of 6 to 8 simple and minimally invasive injections of umbilical cord-derived stem cells. The stem cells are transplanted using intravenous injection and through intrathecal injection performed after lumbar puncture. These two delivery methods allow for increased efficacy while ensuring safety and minimum inconvenience for the patient.

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15 to 23 Days Stay
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IV & Intrathecal Injections
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UCBSC / UCMSC Cells
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Daily Therapy Program
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120-400 Million Cells
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Nutrition Program

Patient Experience Stories

Find out more about patients previously treated with Beike stem cell protocols. The families participating in these blog posts talk about their stories and present their own view of the treatment, including thoughts regarding the daily therapies, the stem cell injection themselves as well as improvement noticed during and after treatment.

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Quadriplegic Jack Pearce is set to undergo a new medical procedure that he is hoping may transform his life. Jack and his wife Ellie arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on July 5th, 2015 for a procedure which utilizes an …

Jack-Pearce-independence-days

In July United States-based spinal cord injury (SCI) patient Jack Pearce and his wife Ellie traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to document himself receiving adult stem cell treatment combined with an epidural stimulator to dispel or …

patient-BBH

Jack Pearce returns for intensive stem cell program As you may know, in the summer of 2015 Jack Pearce underwent our revolutionary spinal epidural stimulation and stem cell treatment program with much success. Within weeks he regained voluntary movement. …

Frequently asked questions about Spinal Cord Injury & Stem Cell Therapy

  • What is Spinal Cord Injury?
    The spinal cord is the long tube of nerves extending from the brain down to the level of the lower back. It is basically the wires our brains use to control our bodies. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) usually occur following traumas, for example, due to motor vehicle crashes or recreational activities in younger people; however, they could also occur due to falls in elderly individuals (1).

    These injuries mostly occur when parts of the vertebrae surrounding the cord are fractured or dislocated. This causes direct bruising or tearing within the spinal cord – and the connection is either partially or totally severed. Spinal injuries usually cause significant physical and psychological impairment that could lead to permanent functional disability and a reduction of the quality of life of affected individuals (2).
  • What are the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury?
    The degree of neurological impairment due to SCI is usually determined 72 hours following the insult. Patients reach most of their healing capacity by 3 months, and any improvement usually plateaus by 9-12 months (2).

    Sequelae or permanent consequences of SCI usually depend on the level of cord injury; where it usually follows the rule “the higher the injury, the worse the outcome”.They also depend on whether the cord was injured totally or partially; and if partially, then which neurological tracts were injured (ex. sensory versus motor versus both). Injuries to the spinal cord can present with a diversity of symptoms, and people with similar injuries could recover differently depending on many factors. However some of the possible long-term consequences of SCI include:
    • Loss of body sensation below the level of injury: The side affected depends on the type of sensation (ex. temperature versus positional sensation) as well as degree and level of injury.
    • Neuropathic pain: Some people might not totally lose sensation of their bodies; but might experience chronic pain or numbness/tingling sensations. They might also perceive normal sensations abnormally, or feel pain from as little as a light touch.
    • Loss of voluntary muscle movements: Depending on the level of the injury this might manifest as paraplegia (loss of lower body movement) or quadriplegia (loss of control over all four limbs).
    • Muscle weakness: This is the less severe form of loss of motor function.
    • Muscle spasticity: This might exacerbate the present neuropathic pain.
    • Bowel and/or bladder dysfunction: People with SCI might develop difficulty in controlling their bowel or bladder movements.
    • Breathing problems: In case of higher injuries (i.e. cervical or thoracic injuries)
  • What are the Current Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury?
    Current treatments offered for SCI are symptomatic and solely aim to prevent further damage of the spinal cord due to the encountered trauma. For example, acute management of SCI involves:
    • Spinal cord immobilization: This is an important initial step in management since it can prevent any further spinal cord injury for example due to vertebral fracture fragments. Immobilization can be done through using neck collars for the cervical spine and a spinal board for the rest of the back.
    • Surgical management: Surgical decompression early on after the injury – especially within 72 hours of injury - might also prevent further nerve damage due to vertebral fracture or herniation, or due to the trauma-induced inflammation surrounding the spinal cord. The vertebral column is repaired, and any spinal cord compression is removed (3, 4).
    • Corticosteroids: Some studies have also report benefits of using steroids in improving functioning if used early on within 8 hours of injury – though its role is controversial due to possible risk of infections during such a vulnerable period (4).
    • Rehabilitation programs: These programs include early psychological support, physiotherapy, dietary support, occupational therapy, etc. All of these aim to improve functionality and provide patients with the best possible outcomes out of their present condition (5).
    Despite there being constant advancements in diagnostic techniques for SCI to allow for faster interventions and better outcomes of cord injuries, and in developing better rehabilitation programs to improve survival and the quality-of-life of SCI patients; treatment itself has remained the same – with most current modalities focusing on preventing further damage to the nerves and stabilizing the patients’ conditions rather than restoring what has been damaged (2, 6). However, we will now discuss how stem cell therapy has been emerging as a new hope for patients with SCI due to its promising regenerative abilities.
  • Which Stem Cells are the Best to Use to Treat Spinal Cord Injury?
    There are many types of stem cells to use in different conditions including embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, neural stem cells, as well as many other sources.

    However, the most widely tested type in SCI, that has shown clinical benefit, is the mesenchymal origin. And even within the mesenchymal stem cell line, there are multiple sources including the bone marrow, the umbilical cord, and the adipose/fat tissue; with the cell lines with proven clinical benefits on patients with SCI only being the bone marrow and umbilical cord samples (7, 9).
  • Which Stem Cells Do we Use to Treat Spinal Cord Injury?
    At Beike Biotechnology, we use umbilical cord stem cells - umbilical cord-related mesenchymal samples donated from healthy mothers after a normal birth.
  • What is the Optimum Timing of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury?
    There has been lots of variation in the time used in clinical trials for stem cell transplantation after SCI; however they have all reached one consensus that stem cell transplantation should be done as early as possible to prevent further nerve damage due to inflammation and to allow optimum recovery of the injured nerves.

    Optimum timing of 1-2 weeks after the injury has been suggested to provide the best results (7, 9); though multiple trials have administered stem cells after that time window with positive benefits being reported – with even some showing benefits in people with chronic SCI (> 1 year).

    Given the impracticality of this time window following such a significant injury, which could be associated with other non-neurological complications, we would usually suggest an optimum time window of around three months following the injury – as used by most clinical trials reporting clinical benefit (8, 10).

    Despite our recommendations – supported by clinical data – and our best efforts to provide the optimum medical service, we still need to advise that clinical benefit is not 100% guaranteed.
  • What are factors effecting success of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury
    No treatment is without complications, and stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury is the same. However, despite its novelty, stem cell therapy has limited side effects if used properly, with comparable side effects to those experienced with regular blood transfusion or foreign organ transplantation (ex. allergic reactions, cell rejection, or fever). Other side effects that have been reported through data analysis include pain, muscle spasms, and some gastrointestinal disturbance. However, most clinical trials report milder side effects that can be managed and rarely lead to premature treatment cessation (11).

    When it comes to response to treatment, we will hereby summarize different factors that might affect your loved one’s response to stem cell therapy, and how we at Beike Biotechnology address each factor to ensure that we provide you with the highest efficacy using the safest procedure possible.
    • Dose/Number of stem cells: The higher the dose of stem cells – within limits of course – the better the response. At Beike Biotechnology, we administer an optimum dose of around 120-400 Million Cells (depending on the child’s weight).
    • Route/Method of administration: Studies have shown that intrathecal injection (through lumbar puncture directly within the brain’s CSF) provides a better response than the traditional intravenous route (which causes stem cells to go to other organs than the brain before reaching the brain). At Beike Technology, we use both intravenous and intrathecal routes concomitantly in order to obtain maximal efficacy; while ensuring the least possible side effects or toxicity.
    • Timing of treatment: As previously mentioned, the earlier the stem cell therapy, the better the benefit. We recommend therapy within the first three months – i.e. before the end of the tissue recovery process.
    • Type of Stem Cells Used: As previously mentioned, umbilical cord-based mesenchymal stem cells, which we use at Beike Technology, have better-proven efficacy in SCI compared to other types of stem cells.
    • Follow-up Time: Significant benefits from stem cell therapy begin appearing around three months after stem cell therapy, and most people reach their full potential around 6-12 months after treatment. At Beike Technology, even after discharge, we provide you with a full follow-up program beginning as early as one month and up to one year after transplantation. You have complete access to our professional team even after you leave our center.

References

1. Mothe AJ, Tator CH. Advances in stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury. The Journal of clinical investigation. 2012;122(11):3824-34. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3484454/

2. Alizadeh A, Dyck SM, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Overview of Pathophysiology, Models and Acute Injury Mechanisms. Frontiers in neurology. 2019;10:282. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6439316/

3. Li Y, Walker CL, Zhang YP, Shields CB, Xu XM. Surgical decompression in acute spinal cord injury: A review of clinical evidence, animal model studies, and potential future directions of investigation. Frontiers in biology. 2014;9(2):127-36. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4041293/

4. Sandean D. Management of acute spinal cord injury: A summary of the evidence pertaining to the acute management, operative and non-operative management. World journal of orthopedics. 2020;11(12):573-83. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7745491/

5. Nas K, Yazmalar L, Şah V, Aydın A, Öneş K. Rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries. World journal of orthopedics. 2015;6(1):8-16. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303793/

6. Nandoe Tewarie RS, Hurtado A, Bartels RH, Grotenhuis A, Oudega M. Stem cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury. The journal of spinal cord medicine. 2009;32(2):105-14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2678281/

7. Gao L, Peng Y, Xu W, He P, Li T, Lu X, et al. Progress in Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells International. 2020;2020:2853650. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33204276/

8. Silvestro S, Bramanti P, Trubiani O, Mazzon E. Stem Cells Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: An Overview of Clinical Trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2020; 21(2). Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/2/659

9. Huang L, Fu C, Xiong F, He C, Wei Q. Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Cell transplantation. 2021;30:963689721989266. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7876757/

10. Oh SK, Jeon SR. Current concept of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury: a review. Korean journal of neurotrauma. 2016;12(2):40. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5110917/

11. Shang Z, Wang M, Zhang B, Wang X, Wanyan P. Clinical translation of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury still premature: results from a single-arm meta-analysis based on 62 clinical trials. BMC Medicine. 2022;20(1):284. Available from: https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-022-02482-2

Dr Dina Mohyeldeen
Dr. Dina Mohyeldeen

Dr. Dina M. is a physician with particular interest in researching advancements in treating different incurable conditions. Her fields of interest include cancers, neurological, and psychiatric conditions given their difficult diagnoses and ever-evolving treatment modalities.

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Stem Cell Quality and Quantity Ensured

Different types of stem cells for different needs

Beike treatment protocols use stem cells from two separate sources: umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue. Umbilical cord related samples are donated by healthy mothers after normal births and are sent to Beike Biotech’s laboratories for processing.

After reviewing the patient’s full medical information, our doctors will recommend which source of stem cells should be used for treatment. Our treatment protocols may include one or multiple types of stem cells in combination depending on each patient’s specific condition.

Highest International Stem Cell Processing Standards

Backed by accreditations from national and international authorities we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality stem cells possible for your benefit.

Patient Videos

Below are video interviews recorded during treatment with Beike stem cells. The families showcased in these videos talk about their personal stories and their experience of the treatment including the improvement noticed.

The improvements mentioned in these videos are typical, however it does not guarantee that all patients may have the same improvements.

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Why Choose Beike for a Stem Cell Treatment?

  • Experience
    With more than a decade of practice, you are ensured to be advised and treated by competent professionals.
  • Diversity
    Multiple types of stem cells having different capabilities are available to adapt to each patient’s specific condition. We do not use the same type of stem cells for all patients.
  • Extensiveness
    A complete supportive therapy program is provided daily to stimulate patient’s freshly transplanted stem cells. The best improvement can only be obtain by supporting your stem cells.
  • Support
    A full follow-up program is provided after the treatment and you will be asked to take part in it at discharge and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Access to our team after the treatment is very important as you may receive further advice to maximize improvements.

Founded in July 2005, Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology is a national high-tech enterprise specialized in clinical transformation and technical service of biological treatment technology of strategic emerging industries.

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